History is being made in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe.
For the first time ever, the long-running TMNT franchise, which began in 1984, is getting a novel aimed at adults: The Last Ronin, a prose adaptation of the popular IDW comic series.
Scheduled for release in June from Abrams, the book — written by Erik Burnham — brings the dystopian story of the lone surviving Turtle to life in a format TMNT fans have never seen before. Black-and-white illustrations from the Escorza Brothers will give it a distinct noir aesthetic, making it essential reading for Shell-heads both old and new.
Here’s the official synopsis for the novel from Abrams & Chronicle Books:
“This expanded adaptation of The Last Ronin reimagines the bestselling Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles graphic novel in an action-packed noir novel, perfect for fans who grew up with the Turtles
Who is the Last Ronin?
After decades away, a lone surviving Turtle returns to New York City with one mission: To avenge his family by killing the leader of the Foot Clan, Oroku Hiroto. But nothing about the city—battle-ravaged and ruled over by Hiroto with an iron fist—feels like home, and nothing about Ronin’s mission goes to plan. With the help of old friends and new allies emerging in unexpected places, can Ronin finally get justice for those he lost?
What terrible events destroyed his family in the first place?
Featuring original black-and-white illustrations from the Escorza Brothers, this first-of-its-kind novel in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe is a must-read for every Ninja Turtles fan.”
The story follows the surviving Turtle as he returns to a New York City overrun by Oroku Hiroto and the Foot Clan, determined to avenge his fallen brothers. Along the way, he finds allies in unexpected places, but nothing about his mission goes according to plan.
This news follows the recent shelving of the R-rated Last Ronin live-action film. However, for fans who were disappointed, the upcoming novel will offer a first-of-its-kind experience in the TMNT universe.
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Per Variety, Paramount has also announced, in addition to the Last Ronin novelization, several other new TMNT projects, including Splinter’s Dojo, a middle-grade illustrated novel releasing in September, and Teeny Mutant Ninja Turtles, a 30-episode CG-animated series following the Turtles’ childhood adventures, coming to YouTube later this year.
Meanwhile, a VR game titled Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Empire City is set to launch on March 31, and 1991’s sequel Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze will see a one-week 35th-anniversary theatrical run earlier in March.
Looking further ahead, Mutant Mayhem 2 is slated for September 17, 2027, and a newly announced live-action reboot, which replaces the Last Ronin film, is set to hit theaters on November 17, 2028.
Paramount has also partnered with Mattel for a new wave of toys.
While the canceled Last Ronin film may have disappointed fans, the novel ensures the story will live on — in print, in imagination, and as a new milestone in the Turtle legacy.
Will the Last Ronin novelization be enough to remedy the disappointment caused by the film being shelved? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
